Photographic distortion apparatus



March 31, 1964 J. E. ADAMS ETAL PHOTOGRAPHIC DISTORTION APPARATUS 4Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 19, 1961 INVENTOR. JOHN E. Hmm' J/wfs J March31, 1964 J, E. ADAMS ETAL 3,126,809

PHOTOGRAPHIC DIsToRTIoN APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 419. 1961S Y Mw y .www M www0/@M NEJ n wm m March 31, 1964 J. E. ADAMS ETALPHOTOGRAPHIC DISTORTION APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Jan. 19, 1961VMM E web .J. @n H M A J MES 80 @www March 31, 1964 J, E. ADAMS ETAL3,125,809

' PHoToGRAPHIc DIsToRTIoN APPARATUS Filed Jn. 19, 1961 4 sheets-sheet 4JNVENTOR. :257. f5.' Jay/y 1m/vs AMES J BEADS/VAN @MQW United StatesPatent O 3,126,809 PHOTOGRAPHIC DISTORTION APPARATUS .lohn E. Adams,11015 Dayton Ave., and James J. Bradshaw, 9.833 45th SW., both ofSeattle, Wash. Filed Jan. 19, 1961, Ser. No. 99,651 11 Claims. (Cl.95-75) This invention relates to means for effecting a novel method forcontrolling photo distortion. More particularly, to a process or methodwherein a photo sensitive material on which the distortion is to beformed; the negative or image of the copy or composition to bedistorted, and a mask or shutter formed with a slit substantially acrossthe full width of it for passing exposure light are caused to be movedrelative to each other during a predetermined exposure period.

The method for the controlled distortion is adapted to be practised byuse of various machines hereinafter described. Those first described arephoto printing machines in that they use a negative and make a positiveprint from it. The latter machine described is of a camera type and usesa regular graphic arts type camera with a special focal plane type slitshutter, plus provision of means for moving the photo sensitive materialor for making the projected image at the focal plane move, by moving thecopy or by moving the camera lens.

In the following specification, any subject matter that is suitable forphotographic distortion by the present apparatus will, for convenience,be referred to by the general term composition While the most commonform of composition, at present, is the film on which photographs havebeen developed, it may also include drawings on transparent paper orcloth or on other media not inconsistent with that herein mentioned.

The present invention further relates to a method or methods whereby thephotographic lm or carrier of anyl selected composition can bephotographically reproduced in a form that is distorted either inlength, width or inclination and which also may be given an undulatoryor curved alignment, or given various other forms of distortion, as willhereinafter be disclosed.

Another object of this invention is to provide a distortion machinewherein the desired distortion is effected by causing a controlledrelative movement of a photographically sensitive medium on which thedistortion is to be formed or printed and the transparent carrier,designated as the negative or photographic film of the selected,composition, while subjected to light emanating from an exposure lampand caused to pass to and through the iilm to the sensitized mediumthrough a narrow light passing slit formed in a mask or shutter; whichmask or shutter is moved in such manner as to cause the slit toprogressively traverse the composition during the required exposureperiod and while the negative or the sensitized medium are being moved,relative to each other.

It is a further object of this invention to provide novel mechanismwhereby the rate and direction of relative movement of thephotographically sensitive medium, referred to herein as the print andthe iilm or negative can be controlled, thus to establish a desireddegree of distortion of the composition in Width, length or alignment.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method of anddevices for the above purpose in various types and forms, as forexample, in hat or cylindrical form, as hereinafter described and whichmethod also is applicable in principle to camera types of picture takingmechanisms.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention reside in thedetails of construction of parts of the various mechanisms employed; inthe relationship, or combinaice tion of the parts and in the mode ofoperation ofthe various devices for accomplishing the desired results.

In accomplishing the above mentioned and other objects of the invention,we have provided the improvedzdetails of construction, the preferredforms of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FlG. 1 is a perspective view of what we will hereinafter refer to as aflat type of distortion producing apparatus embodied by the presentinvention, shown in what will be called its open position.

FIG. 2 is a vertical section taken transversely of' the apparatussubstantially on line 2-2 in FIG. 1 but shown. with negative and maskcarrier parts in closed positions.

FIG. 3 is a fragmental top or plan view showing the distortioncontrolling lever and the linkage that connects it with certainrelatively movable parts which eifect the controlled distortion `in theprinting operation.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional detail, taken on line 4 4 in FIG. 2,showing overlying hlm carrying and masking parts in their closedpositions and relationship to give a better illustration andunderstanding of their functions.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view of the rocker lever actuating screw; itsmounting means and driving motor and also showing the connecting linkagebetween the ends of the lever and the carriers for the negative andmovable mask.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are enlarged cross-sectional details of the movable guidebars to which the mask and negative carrier hinges are attached; takenrespectively onl lines 6--6 and 7-7 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken on line 8 8 in FIG. 3,showing the pivot pin locking clamp in place.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of another hat type distortion machine ofalternative form.

FIG. 10 is a vertical, cross-section taken on line 10 10 in FIG. 9,showing the driving and drive control mechanisxn ofthe negative carrier.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the driving mechanisms of both negativeand mask carriers employed in the machine of FIG. 9.

FIG. l2 is a fragmental showing of an alternative form of drivingconnection for shifting the negative carrier slide bar in a flat typedistortion machine.

FIG. 13 is a plan or top view of what we have designated as a rotary orcylindrical form of distortion apparatus.

FIG.14 is a section taken lengthwise of the machine of FIG. 13.

FIG. l5 is a view, schematically illustrating the embodiment of thepresent idea with a camera type of machine.

Referring more in detail to the drawings:

The simplified iiat form of apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2' comprisesa horizontally disposed and rectangular base structure, designated inits entirety by reference numeral 10; this structure having a flat topsurface of substantial dimensions. For a better understanding, of thesize of the base structure, it will here be stated that in ordinarypractice, it will have a side to side width of approximately 30"; a topto lower edge width of about 20" and a depth of approximately 5". Thisbase structure is hollow and serves as-a sort of supporting table formounting thereon the various mechanisms and parts necessary in carryingout the distorting operation. The top wall 10' of this base structure isformed near opposite side edges, with parallel channels 12 and 12',extending from its top to its lower edge; these channels being about %6deep; wide and spaced about 18. Preferably, the channel 12', which is atthe right hand side of the table, as well shown in FIG. 2,

3 would be about 2" from and parallel with that side edge. These abovegiven dimensions and preferred location of the channels in the table topare not critical but are given merely for better understanding ofthepresent construction.

Disposed on the top surface of the top wall of the base structure 1t)between the parallel channels 12--12' is a thin sheet of cardboard, 13,or the like, which is adhesively or otherwise flatly fixed in position.This card 13 is herein after designated as the mat Its use is optional.

Fitted in the two top wall channels 12 and 12, respectively, for easyendwise, slidable movement therein are guide strips, or bars, 14 and 15,preferably of plastic or metal; each of which has its top surface llushwith the top surface of the wall 10. In the present instance, each barhas a length of about 12" but this dimension is variable. t

Attached to the left hand guide bar or strip 14 and extending therealongto its full length, is one wing of a piano type hinge 18, to the otherwing of which one edge of a somewhat flexible, transparent plastic sheet19 is fixedly attached, thus to provide for the swinging opening andclosing movements of the sheet between its position flatly overlying thepad 13 in which it has been shown in FIG. 2, and a position disposed atthe left hand side of the base 10 as in FIG. 1. Likewise, a maskingsheet 20 of relatively heavy, flexible material, that is impervious topassage of light, except as hereinafter explained, is hingedly attachedat one side edge, by means of a piano type hinge 1S', to the guide bar15 for the swinging movement of the sheet 20 from a position overlyingthe sheet 19, as positioned in FIG. 2, across the top Wall of the base,to a position extending outwardly therefrom, as shown in full lines atthe left hand side in FIG. l.

The two sheets of material 19 and 2t) are substantially the same size,and when disposed over theV table top in the order shown in FIG. 2, theywill each extend across and fully cover the mat 13 and area of the topbetween the channels 12-12.

For explanatory purposes the transparent plastic sheet 19, at the lefthand side will herein be referred to as the negative carrier and theflexible sheet 20 will be designated as the mask. The relationship ofthese sheets 19 and 26 to the mat 13 and to each other during anexposure period, is as shown best in FIG. 2, and in the sectional detailshown in FIG. 4.

The exposure lamp used with the present apparatus is .designated inFIGS. l, 4 and 9 by numeral 22 and it is Asquared up by alignment withreference lines provided on the mat. Then, the negative carrier sheet 19is swung from its open position to its closed position, overlying themat and negative as positioned thereon and the negative is caused to beattached to the then underside surface of the negative carrier sheet 19.Preferably this attachment of the negative is effected by applying smallpieces of adhesive tape to the under surfaces of the corner portions ofthe negative before it is laid in position on the mat with end portionsof the tape projecting slightly beyond the negative edges with adhesivesurfaces faced upwardly, thus to cause their adherence to the negativecarrier 19 when it is folded over and pressed down against the mat andnegative. After this attachment of negative 27 to negative carrier 19has been effected, the

carrier is swung to open position, as in FIG. 1.

Now while working under dark room facilities as in normal photographicprinting, a sheet of photographically sensitive paper 25 of suitablesize is placed at the proper location on mat 13 and is squared up withrespect to the reference lines thereon and this is secured on the matagainst slippage from the set position by corner tacking or by use ofsmall pieces of adhesive tape or other suitable and easily releasablemeans not herein shown. This sensitized sheet or medium 25 willhereinafter be referred to as the potential print. Y

With the potential print or sensitized sheet 25 thus secured to thestationary pad 13 and the negative 27 thus secured to the surface of thenegative carrier v19, the latter is then folded over the pad 13 andprint 25, as in FIG. 2. Then, the masking sheet 29 is folded over thenegative carrier 19, thus bringing the several parts 13, 26, 19 and 29to the relative overlapped positions in which they are shown in FIG. 2in preparation for the exposure required for the distortion printing.

It has previously been mentioned that the desired distortion of thecomposition of negative 27 is effected by causing relative movement overthe sensitized medium 25 by negative 27 as assembled in FIG. 2, whilesubjected to exposure light from the lamp 22; this light being admittedthereto through a narrow slit in the mask that is caused toprogressively transverse a cross section of the negative as it is movedover the sensitized sheet. The mechanism for effecting the relativemovement of the combined mask 20 and slit 49 and the negative 27 willnow be described and this description will be followed by a disclosureof the manner of formation of the light slit in the mask and means formoving the mask to cause the mask slit to traverse the negative duringthe exposure period. l

It is shown in FIG. l, but better seen in FIG. 3 that a llat, elongatedlever 30 extends across the upper or top portion of the base structure10. This lever is formed with an elongated slot 31, extending lengthwisethereof. This slot receives a vertical pivot stud 32 therein which studis adjustable to various positions along the slot. This stud issimilarly adjustable within and along a slot 33, see FIGS. 5 and 8 thatis formed in and across the top portion of the table top 111'. Byadjustment of this stud 32 along its slot 33 and relative to lever 30,the proportionate length of the lever arms, at opposite sides of thepivot stud may be varied as desired and without changing the endwiseposition of the lever 30 relative to the table top.

A clamp 35 is movably adjustable and holdingly applied to the lever 30and is notched for holding engagement with the pivot stud as a means toretain the location of the pivot relative to the lever after anadjustment has been made.

A short link 36 is pivotally connected at one end to the upper end ofslide bar 14, as at 37 in FIG. 3, and at its other end is pivoted to theleft hand end portion of lever 30 as at 33, but well within that endlimit of slot 31. Likewise, a relatively long link 39 is pivotallyconnected at its upper end to the right hand end portion of lever 30, asat 40, and at its lower end is pivotally connected as at 41 to arelatively rigid but upwardly bendable metal plate 42 that is attachedat its left hand edge to the slide bar 15 and extends therefromlaterally beyond the adjacent edge of the table top, across a threadedfeed shaft 45 that extends along and is mounted on the end wall of thebase structure by bearings 46 and 46 as in FIGS. 3 and 5.V

Fixed on the underside of the free end of the flexible plate 42, inposition to mesh with threads of the feed shaft 45, is a half nut 47.This nut may be disengaged from the shaft by flexing the plate upwardly,as indicated in dash lines in FIG. 7, thus to provide for endwiseadjustment of the slide bar 15 along its channel 12 as required forproperly positioning the mask 20, preparatory to travel of its lightpassing slit across the negative and print.

The feed shaft or screw 45 is operatively connected at one end to thedrive shaft of an electric motor 48` supported by and from the loweredge of the base structure 1li, as best shown in FIGS. l and 5.

IIt will be understood that, through the nut 47 as engaged with thethreads of the shaft 45 and the plate 42 as. attached to slide bar 15,the lever 30 can be caused to be pivotally rocked on the pivot stud 32.thus to simultaneously shift the slide bars 14 and 15 in oppositedirections, and cause the negative carrier 19 and mask 201 to move inopposite directions; the negative carrier 19 in the present instancemoves upwardly rela- -tive to the mat 13` while sensitized sheet 25 isattached to the mat. The rate of relative movement is intaccordance withthe effective lengths of the lever arms provided at opposite sides ofVpivot 32 as established by the location of pivot stud.

It has been previously mentioned herein that a slit is provided in themask Ztl for passage of exposure, light from lamp 2.2. Thisslit islocated horizontally. across `a medial portion of the mask as shown inFIG. 3. In the provision of this light passing slit, the mask 20 isfirst formed thereacross with a slot 51 about 1A" or more wide andthisslot is covered by a strip of exposed photographic lm 52, affixed to theunderside of the mask and intwhich 4film strip a very narrow lightpassing line 49, which defines the width of the light passing slit hasbeenphotographed. The only light that can pass through the mask 20 isthat which passes through the photographed line in the film strip.

It has been found quite `desirable in the use of this apparatus to applystrips of rubber 53 to top of mask Ztl, as in FIG. 4, to give additionalweight to the mask closely `along the slit 49rthus to hold the maskfirmly against the negative carrier and improve contact between negativeand print as the slit passes thereacross.

In the positioning of the mask, preparatory to an exposure period, itisusually first adjusted well toward the top of the housing thus to placethe light. slit 49 above the line of the top edge of the sensitizedmedium 25 and negative 27. Then the lifted half nut 47 is permitted tobe engaged with shaft 45. This nut may be Weighted 47W, if necessary, tohold its `driving position.

With the apparatus so constructed, its most common manner of use inmaking a distortion of a composition would be as follows:

Assuming that the negative Z7 of the composition has been attached tothe negative carrier 19 and the potential print `25. has beenpositionedon the mat 13 and that these parts have been swung to theirclosed positions, as in FIG. 2, with the mask so located that the lightslit 49 is above the position of film and potential print 25, and thehalf `nut 47 has been dropped into meshing engagement with threads ofshaft 45, the motor 4S is now started and the exposure lamp 22. isturned on. With the travel of the nut 47 along the shaft 45, theincident rocking or first class action of lever 30 on pivot 32 willcause the mask to be shifted downwardly and thernegative carrier shiftedupwardly; their relative rates of movements being in `accordance withthe length of the lever arms provided by lever 30 at opposite sides of.the pivot 32.

It will be understood that if the pivot 32 should be shifted to the leftto such extent as to locate it at the left of or outside of the point 38of pivotal connection of link 36 with the lever Stil, then the parts 19'and Z0 will be caused to shift up or down in the same direction (2ndclass lever action) in accordance with the length of their respectivelever arms, but when the pivot 32 is located between the points ofypivotal connection 38 and 40 with links 36 and 39, the shiftingmovements of these parts 19 and 2li will be in opposite directions (1stclass lever action).

Printing is effected with the travel of the light slit 49 across thenegative 27. It a `distorted print is made with the negative carrier 19and slit mask moving in the. same direction, the distortion will belonger lthan the negative original. If made with the negative carrierand mask moving in opposite directions the distortion will be shorter.The extent of distortion in either instance may be varied, to more orless extent by changing the position of the pivot 32 along slot 31between pivot 40 and the extreme left end of the slot. The exposure timeis in accordance with the time required for the slit 49 to traverse thenegative.

In FIGS. 9, l0` and ll, I have illustrated an alternative flat form ofdistortion apparatus operating on the same principle as that shown inFIG. l, already described, but embodying another type of drivingmechanism for effecting adjustment and movement of the negative carrierand mask. This device comprises a rectangular, boxlike housing 10xhaving a fiat top wall 10a correspond ing to the top 10 of the device ofFIG. l, and which top wall is formed in its top surface with parallelchannels 12a and 12b corresponding in position and relationship to thechannels 12 and 12 of the device of FIG. 1 and in which channels slidebars 14 and 15" are sirnilarly contained. Between the channels 12a and12b the top surface if liattened for disposition of the photo-sensitivesheet of material or print thereon and to the slide bars 14 and 15', thenegative carrier sheet 19, and mask 20 are fixed in the same or in amanner that is equivalent to that shown in FIG. l for their use in thesame Way as previously described. For the endwise adjustment of theslide bars 1.4 and 15 in their channels we provide the mechanism that isbest shown in FIG. 10i, wherein it is observed that a vertical shaft 6dis supported ce1?.- trally in the housing for rotary and slight endwisemovement in bearings 61-612 Fixed horizontally on this shaft `uti is afriction disk `62 of substantial diameter andl fixed to the shaft abovethe disk is a relatively small pulley wheel 63 about which a belt 64 isextended for a purpose presently disclosed.

Mounted horizontally in the housing lila parallel with and below theguide slot 12a., is a shaft 65 on which a nut 66 is threaded and whichnut has a connection, made through a slot d6 in top ltla with the bar14. Also, at that same side of the housing Mia a relatively large beltWheel `67 is mounted and about which the belt 64 is extended so thatrotation of the shaft 6ft and wheel 65 thereon will effect rotation ofwheel 67 which has a geared driving connection as at 68, with the shaft65, and will operate to rotate this shaft and cause shifting of the bar14 accordingly.

Likewise, at the right hand side of the housing 10a a horizontal shaft`@El is mounted for rotation in ibearings 70-70 and threaded on thisshaft is a nut 71 which has a holding connection, through a slot '72 inthe top wall 10 of the housing, with the slide bar 15 for mov* ing themask in accordance with rotation of shaft `69.

The means for driving shaft 69 comprises a constant speed electric motor73 mounted in direct driving connection therewith as shown in FIG. ll.

The means for driving and for varying the speed of not-ation of the disk62 is shown in FIG. 1Gl to comprise an electric motor 75 that issupported `for travel along a fixed bar or guide 76 that extendshorizontally from yand nadiaily of the shaft 6ft. The motor 75 is of thegear head type and has a friction wheel drive, as at 77, with `theunderside of the disk 62. Shifting of the motor along the rod 76 towardor from the shaft 651i vanies the speed of rotation of the shaftaccordingly and this Varies the rate of movement of slide 14 `and filmcarrier 19' as attached thereto.

The means for shifting the motor 75 comprises a threaded shaft 78mounted below and parallel -with guide rod 76, and on which shaft a nut79, that is fixed to the bottom of the motor 75, is mounted for travel.'Rotatable adjustment of shaft 78 is effected by a crank 'Sli fixed toits outer end, and movement of the motor toward or from 'Z1' the shaftdit increases and decreases the rate of rotation of the friction diskaccordingly.

It is lalso shown that a rod 812 extends horizontally from youtside thehousing to the bearing 6h where it carries a `cam 83 that engages fthelower end of shaft 6l. At its youter end, the rod S2, has a knob handle84 whereby the rod may be manually rotatably adjusted to cause the camto slightly lift the shaft do and friction disk 62. to clear the latterfrom driving Contact with the motor friction wheel '77 for setting thenate of movement of the film carrier 19 land mask by inward or outwardadjustment of motor 75.

In lieu of the belt drive for shaft as shown in FIG. 11, it is practicalto provide la belt connection directly between shafts 60 and 65 as hasbeen shown in FIG. 1-2.

A simplified means of providing variable speed to shaft 65 is to have `apower stat type of speed control on a motor that is connected directlyto shaft 65. This power stat varies and controls shaft speed with anelectrical control rather 'than a mechanical control.

In FIG. 13, I have illustrated a rotary type of distortion meanscomprising `a base frame structure 88 in which a belt 89 of substantialwidth is mounted for horizontal travel about supporting rollers uil-96mounted at front and rear ends of the base frame, transversely thereof,for axial rotation is a cylinder 91 which at one end, is equipped withAa driving disk 92. coaxially thereof. The belt 89 is driven Iby aconstant speed gear head motor 93 shown in FIG. 13 to have drivingconnection with roller 90. The cylinder 91 is adapted to be rotatablydriven by an electric motor 94 that is mounted on frame structure 95 foradjustment parallel with the disk 92 and which has a friction disk 96 incontact with the outer disk surface through which speed of rotation ofthe cylinder may be varied in accordance with adjustment of the motortoward or from the axial line of the disk.

The belt 89 is comprised of -a transparent Mylar and located in the`frame structure directly below and parallel with the cylinder, and alsobetween the upper and lower runs of the belt, is ya thin Lucite strip 97beneath which is a ii-uorescent lamp 95. The lamp is enclosed in a lightproof housing 93h. At opposite sides of this strip the top run of thebelt may tbe supported for travel on supporting plates 99-99.

In the use orf this machine, the sheet of photographically sensitivemedium 25 will be attached to the circumferentially curved outsidesurface of the cylinder 91 as shown, `and the negative 27 will beapplied llatly to and upon the -belt 89. Starting of the motor 93 causesthe belt to carry the negative Z7 toward and beneath the cylinder andmotor 94 causes rotation of the cylinder at any adjusted speed providedfor by the adjustment loff the friction drive 96. The distortion of theprint will be in laccordance with 'the extent @and direction of relativemovement of the negative 27 and print 25 as .they pass in close contactacross the top edge of the translucent Lucite bar 97. If the belt S9moves faster than the turning speed of the cylinder, then the distortionwill be of shorter length than the original. If slower, it will belonger. yThis device operates `ou the same principle Ias the ltwomachines previously disclosed and affords some advantages thereover.

The principle of distortion printing of these machines may be Aappliedfalso to cameras as has been disclosed in PEG. 15 which more or lessdiagrammatically discloses the necessary parts of a grapluc art type ofcamera and a distortion apparatus of the present character as appliedthereto according to the present invention. In this view the `camera isdesignated generally by reference numeral ltltl, and is seen to includethe lens 1151 at one :end and is equipped within its opposite endportion Iwith a mounting plate .M2` for a sheet 163 of photographicallysensitive material. Immediately forward of this platte 162 is a focalplane shutter Ziif that is adapted to be wound onto and from supportingrollers lilo' driven by a constant speed reversible motor 113 in suchmanner las to cause Yit to move ,across the sheet 163; this shutterhaving a light slit 49' therein that can thereby be caused to traversethe sensitized sheet 193.

It is shown herein that the plate 102 -is supported by a block 65 thatis threaded onto a supporting rod 65 carried Iat its ends in bearingsMP3-16S', and having operative connection at its lower end, which isoutside the camera, with a variable speed reversible controlled motor169.

The shutter Ztl/f is caused to bse moved up or down by a constant drivemotor 113 which might be like #73 of FIG. 11. The composition 1'10 to bedistorted would be mounted on a `copy holding board 'H2 located in theproper range of the lens.

To make the distortion, the image of the composition is projected by thelens 1611 to the shutter Ztlf. As the shutter travels, a desiredrelative movement of the sensitivesheet 1103 is effected -by moving theplate T02 up or down. Italic forms can be achieved by changing movablehack to a angle from. direction of focal type shutter slit. As the lightslit in the shutter traverses the sensitized medium the distortion isformed on the print.

It is anticipated Ialso that the film carrier 162, might be heldstationary and the distortion effected by simultaneous movements of theslit shutter and copy board 1112i.

Another method of camera distortion can be achieved :by simultaneousmovements of focal plane shutter and camera lens.

On the camera adaption the projected image takes the place of thenegative used on the `aforementioned machines.

The invention, in its various forms, as described, is believed to beunique in that it provides for making distortion prints directly fromnndistorted negatives with no lens loss or rephotographing loss insharpness or detail. :T he photographic distortions can be made with nofringe loss of resolution since the basic principle is a moving contactprint in the machine models. Similarly, the projected image ismechanically, not optically, altered in the camera type device; noveccentric or supplementary lenses or varying depth of field beingneeded.

Variable distortion, both greater and lesser yamounts of distortion in'the same plane, can be achieved by the mechanical process.

' Various shapes of light mask openings can change straight line copy,lettering, etc., into wavy lines, curves, etc.

This invention can thus make photographic distortion of shorter, longer,slanted in any direction or amount, curved or wavy images at theoperators will, solely by mechanical movement and not by the use ofspecial distortion type lenses.

As described herein, the process can be practiced at less expense intime and material and the printed results will be sharper.

Method of Distortion To distort without a camera, the following itemsare required:

(l) A negative of the desired image (undistorted).

(2) A movable mask with a light slit.

(3) An exposure light.

(4) A piece of photosensitive material.

In normal photographic printing practice the entire sheet is exposed atone time; this method differs in the following manner:

Start at one edge and expose a thin line area by means of a moving maskwith a light slit in it while simultaneously moving either the printingpaper or the negative in a controllable manner. The speed and thedirection of movement determines the type and amount of distortion-thatis, if we desire to lengthen a photo in one direction, either thepotential print or the negative must move in the same direction, but ata slower speed. The resultant print is distorted longer because thesemovements have caused a greater area to be exposed than 9 was containedin the original negative. The opposite effect (shortening) is caused byhaving either the paper or the negative travel simultaneously in theopposite direction of the moving light slit-consequently exposing ashorter image area than the original negative contained. A slanted oritalic effect can he accomplished from straight copy by mounting thenegative on any predetermined diagonal direction to mask slit. Anotheritalic effect can be achieved by moving the negative carrier sidewayswhile the mask travels in the usual up or down direction.

Substituting the straight slit 49, with a curved or wavy line causes theprinted copy to follow that shape.

The anamorphic results described above are all in conjunction with thecontrolled, simultaneous movement of any two of the three unitsinvolved, slit mask, negative carrier, and sensitized medium.

In most practices, the negative carrier, and light slit move while thesensitized medium remains motionless. An alternate method would be tocause the sensitized medium and light mask to move while the negativeremains stationary.

After the above type of exposures, the photosensitive material isdeveloped and fixed in the usual manner.

The essence of the invention as disclosed herein resides in theachievement of controlled photographic distortion through the relativemovement of two of the three components described in the threeparagraphs following:

(a) A narrow slit of light, achieved either by projection, or byexposure through a light passing slit or through an edge lighted stripof transparent or translucent plastic material.

(b) An undistorted negative, positive or photographic image, preparedeither photographically, mechanically or manually.

(c) A photo-sensitive material to receive the new distorted image fromthe aforementioned undistorted negative, positive or image..

The above combination serves as a mechanical lens which makes a movingcontact print of a greater or lesser area in any direction on whichdistortion is desired.

In the terminating claims, the word negative Will be understood todesignate any suitable photographic image whether negative or positive,prepared either photographically, mechanically or manually. Thephotosensitive medium, designated in the claims may be the usualsensitized paper or sensitized plate so long as not inconsistent withthe present invention.

What we claim as new is:

1. A distortion apparatus comprising a base providing a top surfaceformed with a pair of bar guide channels, a photo-sensitive mediumdisposed for printing on said surface, a bar slidably contained forendwise shifting in each of said channels, a transparent sheet fixed toone bar to extend therefrom across said photo-sensitive medium asdisposed on said top surface, a negative removably applied to saidtransparent sheet at a location registered with and flat upon saidphoto-sensitive medium, a light impervious mask fixed to the other ofsaid bars to extend therefrom across and at upon said transparent sheetand negative; said mask being formed with a slit for the passing ofexposure light therethrough, means for moving one of said bars to causerelative movement of said negative and said photo-sensitive medium andmeans for moving the other bar to shift the mask to cause the lightpassing slit therein to traverse the negative during the period ofrelative movement of negative and photosensitive medium.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said mask is formed With aslot of substantial width that is covered by a removable strip ofexposed film in which relatively narrow lines have been photographed asthe light passing slit.

3. A distortion apparatus of the character described comprising a baseproviding a supporting surface formed with laterally spaced, parallelchannels, a photo-sensitive l@ medium disposed for printing, on saidsurface between said channels, a bar slidably fitted in each of saidchannels for endwise movement therein, a transparent sheet fixed alongone side edge to one of said bars and adapted to be laid across saidphoto-sensitive medium as placed for printing on said surface; anegative attached to said transparent sheet in a location registeredwith and flatly upon with the photo-sensitive medium, a light imperviousmask fixed at one edge to the other bar to extend over and across andfiatly upon the transparent sheet and negative; said mask being formedwith a transverse light passing slit, an exposure lamp located above themask, means for moving one of said bars to cause relative movement ofthe negative and said photo-sensitive medium and means for moving theother bar to shift said mask and cause said light passing slit of themask to traverse the negative to effect printing through the negative asit is being moved relative to the photo-sensitive medium.

4. The distortion apparatus of claim 3 wherein said transparent sheetand mask are hinged to their moving bars thus to adapt them to be swungin opposite directions from overlapping to positions extending outwardlyrelative to each other for application of the sensitized medium to orits removal from the base surface.

5.` The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the means for effecting relativemovement of said slidably mounted bars to cause shifting the negativeand mask comprises a rocker lever disposed transversely of and acrossthe base and means pivotally mounting said rocker lever for oscillatingmovement thereon, motorized means for effecting an oscillating action ofsaid lever and linkage pivotally connecting the lever at points inspaced relationship therealong, with ends of the said slidably mountedbars.

6. The apparatus recited in claim 5 wherein said rocker lever is formedwith a slot extending substantially to its full length and said base isformed with a transverse slot, and wherein said pivotal mounting meansfor said rocker lever is adjustable in and along the base slot andsimultaneously adjustable in the lever slot selectively to pointsbetween or at the outside of the bar connecting linkage.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said motorized means for moving saidbars comprises a revolubly driven threaded shaft and wherein a fiexibleplate is fixed to one of said bars to extend across said threaded shaft,and on which plate a threaded half-nut is xed for meshing Contact withsaid driven threaded shaft and which half nut is adapted to be liftedfrom the shaft for adjustment of said bars independently of the shaft.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7 wherein a variable speed mechanicaldisk drive is used between a reversible type electric motor and threadedshaft.

9. The apparatus of claim 3 in which is provided a threaded shaft tomove the bar carrying said mask and slit, and a reversible constantspeed motor to drive said threaded shaft.

10. A distortion printing apparatus comprising a base providing asupporting surface upon which a. photo-sensitive medium and a negativeof a composition from which a distortion print is to be made may beflatly disposed, one upon the other, forV photographic printing, a lightimpervious mask overlying said negative and sensitized medium asdisposed on said surface; said mask providing a transverse light passingslit through which exposure light may pass for printing, and a mechanismfor effecting relative movement of said photo-sensitized medium andnegative; said mechanism comprising a rocker lever with a pivotalsupport between its ends mounting it for oscillation in a plane parallelwith said supporting surface, links individually connecting the negativeand sensitized medium with the rocker lever at a different interval fromthe pivot point of said lever, and a powered means for effecting andcontrolling the oscillatory action of the lever and means for effectingmovement of the mask to advance the light passing slit across the movingnegative in a 1 1 1i 2 direction that is at a right angle to thedirection of the are pivotally connected to the rocker lever atdifferent disslit tances from the pivot point of the lever.

1l. A distortion printing apparatus accordlng to claim Y ReferencesCited in the me of this patent l0 wherein the sensitized medium andnegative are fixed at opposite edges respective to movement guiding bars5 UNITED STATES PATENTS that are mounted in laterally spaced parallelchannels in 1,176,384 Lotka s- Mar. 21, 1916 the supporting surface ofsaid base and wherein said links 1,906,973 Kingsbury May 2, 1933

1. A DISTORTION APPARATUS COMPRISING A BASE PROVIDING A TOP SURFACEFORMED WITH A PAIR OF BAR GUIDE CHANNELS, A PHOTO-SENSITIVE MEDIUMDISPOSED FOR PRINTING ON SAID SURFACE, A BAR SLIDABLY CONTAINED FORENDWISE SHIFTING IN EACH OF SAID CHANNELS, A TRANSPARENT SHEET FIXED TOONE BAR TO EXTEND THEREFROM ACROSS SAID PHOTO-SENSITIVE MEDIUM ASDISPOSED ON SAID TOP SURFACE, A NEGATIVE REMOVABLY APPLIED TO SAIDTRANSPARENT SHEET AT A LOCATION REGISTERED WITH AND FLAT UPON SAIDPHOTO-SENSITIVE MEDIUM, A LIGHT IMPERVIOUS MASK FIXED TO THE OTHER OFSAID BARS TO EXTEND THEREFROM ACROSS AND FLAT UPON SAID TRANSPARENTSHEET AND NEGATIVE; SAID MASK BEING FORMED WITH A SLIT FOR THE PASSINGOF EXPOSURE LIGHT THERETHROUGH, MEANS FOR MOVING ONE OF SAID BARS TOCAUSE RELATIVE MOVEMENT OF SAID NEGATIVE AND SAID PHOTO-SENSITIVE MEDIUMAND MEANS